treasures of aztec slot demo
Suchir Balaji Was Murdered? ‘Sign of Struggle in Bathroom’, Parents of Indian-American OpenAI Whistleblower Demand FBI Probe Into Their Son’s Death, Dismissing Suicide Angle; Elon Musk Backs Them
By Baba Martins Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has extended his Christmas felicitations to the Christian community. Atiku in his Christmas message signed by Mr Paul Ibe, his spokesman called for sacrifices, unity and Love among Nigerians. He also laid the blame of the prevailing hardship in the country on the lack of leadership. Atiku implored Nigerians to embrace a life of love and unity, drawing inspiration from the joyous spirit of the Christmas season. How to choose the right car insurance plan for your lifestyle and driving habits Soludo cancels monarch election in Anambra community He urged citizens to be guided by compassion and selflessness, encouraging them to cherish the significance of Christmas as a time for reflection and togetherness. Atiku reminded Nigerians, particularly Christians, “to express gratitude for the arrival of the Christmas season despite the many challenges and hardships confronting the nation.” “It is a blessing that we can once again celebrate the events leading to the birth of Christ, despite the adversity we face,” he stated. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the last elections, however, accused the current political leaders of not making the necessary sacrifices for the nation’s collective good and condemned the lack of leadership, “which has resulted in widespread suffering and preventable deaths across the country.” Atiku appealed to Nigerians to remain united, embrace one another with love, and confront the root cause of their struggles – poor leadership. “With love and unity, there is no obstacle too great to overcome. Let us, therefore, come together to share love and joy with all people of goodwill,” he said. Join Daily Trust WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You. Atiku Christmas l Sacrifices Unity
As Professor Guo continues his work in the field of agriculture, his dedication to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable practices remains unwavering. The nickname "Guo Xiaomai" serves as a reminder of the respect, appreciation, and admiration that he has earned from those who work the land alongside him. It is a title that embodies not only his expertise in wheat cultivation but also the heartfelt connection he shares with the farming community.
Can ordinary citizens solve our toughest problems?
US stocks surge to records on tech gains, Fed rate cut hopesHouse approves $895B defense bill with military pay raise, ban on transgender care for minors
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. donors gave $3.6 billion on Tuesday, an increase from the past two years, according to estimates from the nonprofit GivingTuesday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. donors gave $3.6 billion on Tuesday, an increase from the past two years, according to estimates from the nonprofit GivingTuesday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. donors gave $3.6 billion on Tuesday, an increase from the past two years, according to estimates from the nonprofit GivingTuesday. The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as GivingTuesday, has become a major day for nonprofits to fundraise and otherwise engage their supporters each year, since the 92nd St Y in New York started it as a hashtag in 2012. GivingTuesday has since become an independent nonprofit that connects a worldwide network of leaders and organizations who promote giving in their communities. “This just really shows the generosity, the willingness of American citizens to show up, particularly collectively,” said Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit GivingTuesday. “We are just seeing the power of collective action and particularly collective giving over and over and over again.” This year, about 18.5 million people donated to nonprofits and another 9.2 million people volunteered, according to GivingTuesday’s estimates. Both the number of donors and the number of volunteers increased by 4% from the group’s 2023 estimates. “For us, it’s not just about the number of dollars,” Curran said. “It’s about the number of people who feel like they have agency over the way their communities progress forward into the future.” The nonprofit GivingTuesday estimates the amount of money and goods donated and the number of participants using data from donor management software companies, donation platforms, payment processors and donor-advised funds. Curran said they are purposely conservative in their calculations. Nonprofits in the U.S. raised $3.1 billion in both 2022 and 2023 on GivingTuesday. That mirrored larger giving trends where the overall amount of donations dropped in 2022 and mostly held steady in 2023 after accounting for inflation. It’s never easy to predict current giving trends but Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, said there were economic forces pushing in both directions. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. “At the very same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty, especially around prices, the cost of living, the supermarket toll that people are expecting continue even though inflation has moderated,” she said. Donating or volunteering with nonprofits aren’t the only ways people participate in their communities. Many give to crowdfunding campaigns, political causes or support people directly in their networks. But tracking charitable donations is one way that researchers use to understand people’s civic engagement. “This country is undeniably in a lot of pain and very divided right now,” Curran said. “And so to have a day that felt as hopeful and as optimistic as yesterday did, I’m sure was not only comforting to me, but to many, many millions of people.” ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy. Advertisement AdvertisementA BRIT mum has died at a retreat in Bolivia specialising in psychedelic drug ayahuasca. Maureen Rainford’s daughter was told she collapsed after drinking the substance in a tea. 4 Brit mum Maureen Rainford has died at a retreat in Bolivia specialising in psychedelic drug ayahuasca Credit: Facebook 4 Prince Harry last year controversially admitted taking ayahuasca to help cope after mum Diana’s death Credit: Getty 4 Maureen had booked an £800 ten-day stay at the Ayahuasca and San Pedro Pisatahua Retreat It is the same drug Prince Harry last year controversially admitted taking to help cope after mum Diana’s death. Social worker Maureen’s family stressed she had been fit and healthy and the Amazon commune she visited was billed as a wellness and detox retreat with controlled diets. The mum of three, 54, of Romford, Essex, had booked the £800 ten-day stay last month at the Ayahuasca and San Pedro Pisatahua Retreat. Ayahuasca — an illegal Class A drug in the UK — is handed out at ceremonies by a shaman and causes reactions including visions, energy and euphoria. READ MORE WORLD NEWS EMPTY THREAT Ukraine vows to SHOOT DOWN Vlad’s new missile that he's used to threaten UK RAM HORROR Driver ploughs SUV into kids outside school before being dragged out & beaten Breathing rate plummeted Daughter Rochel, 32, said she was told by a resort official called Eric that Maureen had suffered a “medical emergency”. Others there told Rochel that ten minutes after drinking the ayahuasca tea she complained of feeling unwell as her heart and breathing rate plummeted. She died after an hour despite CPR efforts. A doctor arrived later, the family heard. Rochel told The Sun on Sunday: “There should be a trained medic on standby when hallucinogenic drugs are being handed out in a remote area. Most read in The Sun MY LORD Rangers poised to name new chairman as Lord emerges as main contender for top job RANGERS 1 DUNDEE UTD 1 Snow joke as Clement gets blizzard of abuse over more dropped points COLD BEERS SPFL side spotted going for a PINT after their bus got stuck in the snow BLADE HORROR Terrifying moment masked thug brandishes TWO 'zombie knives' outside school I want to raise awareness about these places for people tempted by glossy brochures selling a dream Rochel “Eric tried to insist that she must be cremated in Bolivia as her body would decompose, but I did not want any cover-up.” Rochel said that after contacting the British consulate, Maureen’s body was returned and a post-mortem confirmed she had suffered a heart attack. American Tim Richard reveals benefits of Ayahuasca ritual in jungles of Peru East London’s coroner has been informed of the death and the funeral was held last week. Rochel added: “I want to raise awareness about these places for people tempted by glossy brochures selling a dream.” A spokesman for the retreat said “her passing was due to a medical emergency that was not related to ayahuasca”. They added: “Our heart goes out to her family.” Prince Harry was criticised last year for claiming the drug helped him deal with his mum’s 1997 death. He said: “After taking ayahuasca with the proper people I suddenly realised — wow! — it’s not about the crying.” 4 Ayahuasca — an illegal Class A drug in the UK — is handed out at ceremonies by a shaman and causes reactions including visions, energy and euphoria Credit: Louis Wood
Jimmy Carter's legacy remembered in Central Illinois and beyondRounding out the trio of double nominees is the visionary director Ava DuVernay. With her unparalleled storytelling abilities and unique cinematic vision, DuVernay has been recognized for her outstanding work in both a limited series and a feature film. Her dedication to highlighting important social issues and underrepresented voices in her work has earned her widespread praise and admiration from audiences and critics alike.Bowls miss out in 4 CFP teams in latest postseason twist
Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: A Closer Look at Symptoms, Diagnosis and Clinical Research Underway
Former US President Jimmy Carter dies at 100While the man's intentions may have been well-meaning, his actions ultimately proved to be fatal. Unbeknownst to him, several of the supplements he was taking had overlapping effects and could interact unfavorably with each other in his body. The sheer volume of supplements he ingested also placed a significant burden on his internal organs, particularly his liver and kidneys, which were tasked with metabolizing and filtering out the excess substances.In conclusion, the legal standards for defining rape of mentally ill individuals and determining sentencing criteria are multifaceted and require careful consideration of the individual circumstances of each case. By upholding a victim-centered approach and ensuring that justice is served with empathy and understanding, the legal system can play a crucial role in addressing the complexities of sexual crimes against mentally ill individuals and promoting a fair and just society for all.
Islam is a unifying thread across the Muslim world, but its practice and interpretation vary widely based on historical, cultural and political contexts. Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan offer starkly contrasting perspectives on Islam, reflecting their unique journeys through conservatism, modernisation and fundamentalism. While Saudi Arabia attempts to reconcile its strict Wahhabi roots with a modern, globalised identity, Afghanistan under Taliban rule clings to a regressive and rigid interpretation of Islamic law, particularly in its treatment of women. Saudi Arabia: Evolving Beyond Narrow Wahhabism For much of its modern history, Saudi Arabia has been synonymous with Wahhabism, a puritanical branch of Sunni Islam. Established in the 18th century as part of a pact between the Wahhabi movement and the Al-Saud family, this ideology shaped the Kingdom’s laws and social norms. Strict dress codes, gender segregation and the absence of cultural entertainment were defining characteristics. The discovery of oil in 1938 transformed Saudi Arabia into a global economic powerhouse but did little to alter its conservative social fabric. Women were forbidden from driving until 2018, religious police patrolled public spaces to enforce Islamic norms and live music and cinema were banned. This changed dramatically under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, a reform agenda aimed at diversifying the economy and projecting a modern, progressive image of Saudi Arabia. Today, the Kingdom hosts concerts, fashion shows and sporting events that would have been unimaginable a decade ago. Saudi women now drive, work in various industries and travel without male guardianship. These reforms reflect a society grappling with its dual identity: a modern state vying for global influence and an Islamic society rooted in tradition. However, this transformation is not without contradictions. While Riyadh dazzles with events featuring global stars like Céline Dion and Jennifer Lopez, the Kingdom continues to uphold one of the harshest justice systems in the world. Mass executions, particularly of foreign nationals, reveal a darker side of its governance, underscoring the tension between progress and repression. Qazi Faez Isa And Islam - Part II Afghanistan: The Grip of Taliban Fundamentalism In contrast to Saudi Arabia’s evolving interpretation of Islam, Afghanistan under the Taliban remains firmly entrenched in a regressive, fundamentalist ideology. The Taliban’s version of Islam, heavily influenced by Deobandi principles and Wahhabi teachings, emerged from decades of conflict and foreign intervention. During the 1980s, Saudi Arabia played a significant role in funding madrassas along the Afghan-Pakistan border, which indoctrinated young men with conservative Islamic teachings. These madrassas served as a breeding ground for the Taliban, whose rise to power in the 1990s marked a dark period for Afghan women and minorities. Saudi Arabia’s path forward lies in balancing its conservative Islamic roots with the demands of a modern state. The Kingdom’s reforms are driven by necessity, as it seeks to diversify its economy and attract global investment Since regaining control in 2021, the Taliban have reinstated draconian laws that systematically exclude women from public life. Girls are banned from attending schools and universities, women cannot work in government institutions or businesses and they are prohibited from appearing in media or even visiting parks without a male guardian. These policies not only violate basic human rights but also contrast sharply with the relative progress seen in other Muslim-majority countries, including Saudi Arabia. Women’s Rights: A Tale of Two Realities The status of women offers a stark lens through which to compare Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan. Women in Saudi Arabia have gained unprecedented freedoms in recent years. They can now pursue higher education, work in diverse industries and participate in public life. However, cultural conservatism still imposes limits and full equality remains a distant goal. Under Taliban rule, Afghan women face unparalleled restrictions. They are effectively erased from public life and denied education, employment and the freedom to move independently. This is a severe divergence from Islamic teachings that emphasise education and respect for women. From Art To Algorithm: Social Media And The Death Of Culture, Society The influence of Wahhabism, exported by Saudi Arabia in the late 20th century, has shaped the ideological framework of groups like the Taliban. Yet, while Saudi Arabia has moved toward moderation and modernity, Afghanistan has doubled down on rigid fundamentalism. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reflects an acknowledgment that economic growth and global engagement require a more inclusive society. Afghanistan, in contrast, remains isolated, with its rulers prioritising ideological purity over progress. Saudi Arabia’s path forward lies in balancing its conservative Islamic roots with the demands of a modern state. The Kingdom’s reforms are driven by necessity, as it seeks to diversify its economy and attract global investment. Its evolving interpretation of Islam may inspire other Muslim-majority nations to explore similar pathways. Afghanistan, however, faces a grimmer future. The Taliban’s refusal to adapt to the changing world not only isolates the country but also perpetuates suffering for its people, particularly women. The global community’s challenge lies in finding ways to support Afghan civil society while addressing the Taliban’s oppressive policies. The stories of Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan underscore the diversity of Islam and its interpretations. While both nations have been shaped by conservative ideologies, their trajectories could not be more different. Saudi Arabia’s embrace of reform signals hope for a more inclusive future, while Afghanistan’s descent into fundamentalism highlights the dangers of ideological rigidity. For the Muslim world, these contrasting paths serve as a reminder that Islam’s essence is not monolithic but adaptable to the needs and aspirations of its followers. The choices made by leaders and societies will determine whether Islam is a force for progress or a tool of oppression in the 21st century.Rwanda could sign migrant deals with Donald Trump and EU after Britain missed out
Bowls miss out in 4 CFP teams in latest postseason twist
In response to being called "Guo Xiaomai," Professor Guo expressed his gratitude for the recognition and acceptance from his farmer friends. He emphasized that the nickname represents the trust and bond that has been built through years of collaboration and mutual learning. Professor Guo sees it as a testament to the strong relationship he has forged with the farming community, a relationship based on respect, understanding, and shared goals.Man accused in burning death of a woman on New York subway appears in courtSouth Korea faces a significant political crisis as opposition lawmakers seek to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his contentious declaration of martial law. This move aimed to suppress political activity and censor the media, triggering outrage within South Korea and concern among its international allies, including the U.S. The decision has sparked internal divisions among Yoon's People Power Party, with opposition lawmakers preparing to vote on impeachment. In response, Yoon accepted the resignation of Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun and nominated a successor, yet the situation remains tense with ongoing protests and paralyzing governmental activities. The ramifications of this political turmoil have extended beyond South Korean borders, affecting its economy and creating unease in Japan and the United States. International figures have expressed concern over the stability and future of South Korea, with potential impeachment threatening to alter the political landscape significantly. (With inputs from agencies.)WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court seemed likely Wednesday to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The justices' decision, not expected for several months, could affect similar laws enacted by another 25 states and a range of other efforts to regulate the lives of transgender people, including which sports competitions they can join and which restrooms they can use. The case is being weighed by a conservative-dominated court after a presidential election in which Donald Trump and his allies promised to roll back protections for transgender people. The Biden administration's top Supreme Court lawyer warned a decision favorable to Tennessee also could be used to justify nationwide restrictions on transgender health care for minors. Supporters of transgender rights rally Wednesday outside the Supreme Court in Washington. In arguments that lasted more than two hours, five of the six conservative justices voiced varying degrees of skepticism over arguments made by the administration and Chase Strangio, the ACLU lawyer for Tennessee families challenging the ban. Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in the majority in a 2020 case in favor of transgender rights, questioned whether judges, rather than lawmakers, should weigh in on a question of regulating medical procedures, an area usually left to the states. "The Constitution leaves that question to the people's representatives, rather than to nine people, none of whom is a doctor," Roberts said in an exchange with Strangio. Justice Neil Gorsuch, who wrote the majority opinion in 2020, said nothing during the arguments. The court's three liberal justices seemed firmly on the side of the challengers, but it's not clear that any conservatives will go along. People attend a rally March 31, 2023, as part of a Transgender Day of Visibility, near the Capitol in Washington. Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed back against the assertion that the democratic process would be the best way to address objections to the law. She cited a history of laws discriminating against others, noting that transgender people make up less than 1% of the U.S. population, according to studies. There are an estimated 1.3 million adults and 300,000 adolescents ages 13 to 17 who identify as transgender, according the UCLA law school's Williams Institute. "Blacks were a much larger part of the population and it didn't protect them. It didn't protect women for whole centuries," Sotomayor said in an exchange with Tennessee Solicitor General Matt Rice. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson said she saw some troubling parallels between arguments made by Tennessee and those advanced by Virginia and rejected by a unanimous court, in the 1967 Loving decision that legalized interracial marriage nationwide. Quoting from that decision, Jackson noted that Virginia argued then that "the scientific evidence is substantially in doubt and, consequently, the court should defer to the wisdom of the state legislature." ACLU lawyer Chase Strangio, left, and plaintiff Joaquin Carcano address reporters after a June 25, 2018, hearing in Winston-Salem, N.C., on their lawsuit challenging the law that replaced North Carolina's "bathroom bill." Justice Samuel Alito repeatedly pressed Strangio, the first openly transgender lawyer to argue at the nation's highest court, about whether transgender people should be legally designated as a group that's susceptible to discrimination. Strangio answered that being transgender does fit that legal definition, though he acknowledged under Alito's questioning there are a small number of people who de-transition. "So it's not an immutable characteristic, is it?" Alito said. Strangio did not retreat from his view, though he said the court did not have to decide the issue to resolve the case in his clients' favor. There were dueling rallies outside the court in the hours before the arguments. Speeches and music filled the air on the sidewalk below the court's marble steps. Advocates of the ban bore signs like "Champion God's Design" and "Kids Health Matters," while the other side proclaimed "Fight like a Mother for Trans Rights" and "Freedom to be Ourselves." Four years ago, the court ruled in favor of Aimee Stephens, who was fired by a Michigan funeral home after she informed its owner she was a transgender woman. The court held that transgender people, as well as gay and lesbian people, are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace. The Biden administration and the families and health care providers who challenged the Tennessee law urged the justices to apply the same sort of analysis that the majority, made up of liberal and conservative justices, embraced in the case four years ago when it found that "sex plays an unmistakable role" in employers' decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. Demonstrators against transgender rights protest Wednesday during a rally outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. The issue in the Tennessee case is whether the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment, which requires the government to treat similarly situated people the same. Tennessee's law bans puberty blockers and hormone treatments for transgender minors, but allows the same drugs to be used for other purposes. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, the administration's top Supreme Court lawyer, called the law sex-based line drawing to ban the use of drugs that have been safely prescribed for decades and said the state "decided to completely override the views of the patients, the parents, the doctors." She contrasted the Tennessee law with one enacted by West Virginia, which set conditions for the health care for transgender minors, but stopped short of an outright ban. Gender-affirming care for youth is supported by every major medical organization, including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.